Danielle VanderZwaag
Holland,MI
Summary
Proficient at managing crisis situations and fostering positive relationships, I enhanced student learning and behavior outcomes at West Ottawa Public Schools, Ottawa Area Center and Judson Center. Leveraging strong communication and accurate data collection skills, I led teams and implemented effective strategies, significantly improving academic and social-emotional development. Looking to bring further success to a school district through behavior management and student engagement.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Assistant
West Ottawa Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Managed crisis situations calmly, maintaining safety protocols while supporting the emotional well-being of affected students during challenging moments within the school day.
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one support and small group instruction.
- Enhanced student learning by adapting instructional strategies to individual needs.
- Communicated effectively with parents, keeping them informed of their child''s progress and addressing any concerns.
- Provided ongoing progress monitoring and data collection to evaluate student performance and inform instructional adjustments.
- Supported students' social-emotional development through modeling appropriate behaviors and teaching self-regulation skills.
- Collaborated with teachers and other support staff in developing inclusive classroom environments.
Behavior Assistant
OAISD
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Supervised student behavior during daily academic routines to secure safety of students and staff.
- Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
- Consulted special education classroom teachers to develop curriculum modifications and intervention strategies.
- Through SWIS, collected and analyzed behavior data of students.
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of assigned students.
- Consulted and collaborated Behavioral Intervention Plans and IEP for individual students.
- Assisted in crisis intervention using CPI training.
- Clean and organize classroom to support with individual student needs.
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Judson Center
04.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments and assessments of basic learning and language skills.
- Used CentralReach and eHeart to document patient information, progress notes, treatment plans and billing information.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs and anecdotal notes.
- Implemented and established behavior strategies by setting rules, reiterating expectations and reinforcing good behavior for over 14 patients.
- Led team of Behavior Technicians by scheduling, assisting with problems, answering questions, running team meetings, performing session monitoring forms and giving feedback.
- Administered medication to clients timely and accurately.
Behavior Technician
Judson Center
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Create positive work environment for clients and staff.
- Accurately recorded data and used correct reinforcement based on patient.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs and anecdotal notes.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
- Managed three case clients and completed all work needed for them.
- Present new problems and/or programs ideas for clients to supervisor.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05.2018
Skills
- Patience and empathy
- Inclusion strategies
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Positive reinforcement interventions
- SWIS data collection and analysis
- Behavior improvements
- Social development and integration
- IEP implementation
- Behavioral plan management
- Crisis intervention
Certification
RBT, CPI, CPR, First Aid certified
Timely and accurate completion of all trainings
Timeline
Special Education Assistant
West Ottawa Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Behavior Assistant
OAISD
02.2022 - 08.2023
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Judson Center
04.2021 - 01.2022
Behavior Technician
Judson Center
08.2020 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan
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